SHARE

Clifton Elementary to receive grant to improve CSAP scores

Clifton Elementary School is one of 14 Colorado schools expecting a portion of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act 2009 dollars given to the state to disburse to schools this fall.

Clifton was the only school in School District 51 selected in the first round for ARRA school-improvement funds.

Schools were selected based on their need to improve scores on standardized tests. Last spring, 56 percent of Clifton third- through fifth-graders scored below grade level in reading, and 73 percent scored below grade level in math on Colorado Student Assessment Plan tests.

The school district isn’t sure how much money Clifton will receive, but Superintendent Steve Schultz said the amount could reach up to $1.2 million.

The school hopes to use the money to turn around test scores and increase student achievement, Clifton Principal Michelle Mansheim said.

In order to reach that goal, the school has put together some ideas, including: having students spend more time in school; increasing the types and number of student-help programs; giving students greater access to technology; providing more support for parents of students; and providing more support for teachers.

“We really need to get teachers that come to Clifton and stay at Clifton. Kids need that continuity,” Mansheim said.

Parents can stay updated on the grant by checking the school newsletter and marquee, checking in their children’s backpacks for notes from the school, or attending future informational meetings.